By Donnie A. LucasShackelford County Commissioners approved a lease for three vehicles for the sheriff’s department, discussed a proposal to replace the air conditioning in the Courthouse, and okayed repairs to the roof at the county show barn during a regular meeting Monday, June 12.

By Donnie A. LucasImprovements at the Shackelford County Show Barn have started with the pouring of a concrete floor throughout the main part of the building, but several projects still remain on the list.

By Melinda L. LucasA blood drive is scheduled to take place in Albany next Thursday, June 22.Hendrick Regional Blood Center will be at First Baptist Church from 1:00 until 6:00 p.m.

By Sam WallerAlanna Stephens has long had a passion for creating art.Now she’s making it pay off.Stephens’ Yellow Rose Studios, located at 57 S. Main St. in Albany, will hold an open house Saturday, June 17, with the studio open to the public at 11:00 a.m.

By Sam WallerShackelford County 4-H member Faith Fry finished second with her horse educational presentation at the State 4-H Roundup last week, qualifying for the national competition to be held in Ohio next month.The Roundup was held Monday-Thursday, June 5-8 at College Station.

By Sam WallerThe Shackelford County Library’s annual children’s story hour knocked out the first two of its scheduled four programs in the span of five days with children getting the chance to learn about different animals.On June 9, beekeeper Mark Routon gave a presentation on bees.

By Sam WallerThe First Baptist Church youth program is again planning to conduct a fundraising volleyball tournament after an earlier effort fell through in March.The tournament is scheduled for Saturday, June 24 at the Albany High School gym, with an entry deadline of Thursday, June 22.

By Melinda L. LucasAfter a return performance by the “Fancy Dancers” at the Old Jail Art Center on Saturday afternoon, a well-known Native American artist will discuss works in the OJAC’s current exhibition, “Cheyenne Ledger Drawings: Stories of Warrior Artists.

By Donnie A. LucasOwners of pets of all types are urged to enter the annual Fandangle Pet Parade Saturday, June 24  beginning at 10:00 a.m.The parade will take place at the Bank Park with prizes awarded for Best Dressed, Most Creative, Most Unique Pet, and Best Fandangle Costume.

By Sam WallerAlbany’s Parker Henry exceeded his expectations in his first time competing in the USS Strongman National Championships, placing ninth among 24 competitors in the Open Men’s Middleweight class (198 pounds or less).Henry finished with a total of 65.